Nation

Education agent claims trial to criminal breach of trust

IPOH: A 50-year-old agent, who processes documents for students who wish to study in Australia, claimed trial at the Sessions Court here to five counts of criminal breach of trust involving RM78,888 entrusted to him by his clients.

Chan Voon Jiun was entrusted with the amount in his capacity as an agent to process student visa applications, medical reports and registration fees to gain entry into Australian universities.

He is said to have committed the offence at his office at E-Eagle Enterprise at the Green­town Business Centre here between Feb 21, 2012 and Oct 17, 2012.

The offence under Section 409 of the Penal Code carries a jail term of up to 20 years with whipping and a possible fine if convicted.

DPP Nadiah Isa offered bail at RM10,000 for each offence, with the additional condition that Chan surrender his passport.

Defence counsel Mohamed Yazzer Azzad Zainudin appealed for lower bail, saying that Chan was the sole breadwinner of his family and that his wife and 13-year-old child were based in Australia.

He also said that Chan had to support his parents staying here and that there was no flight risk without his passport.